Members of the Venezuelan Armed Forces share a light moment after participating in the Independence Day military parade, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2023. Venezuela is marking 212 years of its declaration of independence from Spain. (PHOTO / AP)
CARACAS – The recent US administrations have launched the worst attacks against Venezuela in the past two centuries, a top Venezuelan lawmaker said Wednesday.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 212th anniversary of Venezuela's Declaration of Independence, Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, denounced the US sanctions against the South American country as "crimes against humanity."
Every day, the people of Venezuela demonstrate their constant struggle against being lackeys of any country that wants to take advantage of the nobility of this people, which 212 years ago declared its freedom.
Domingo Hernandez Larez, Head of the Strategic Operations Command
Washington has "subjected Venezuela to the worst aggression it has experienced in the last 212 years," Rodriguez said.
The US sanctions have restricted Venezuelans' access to essential goods, such as medicine and food, Rodriguez said, stressing that the "criminals" behind the policy should be denounced and held accountable.
ALSO READ: Venezuela rejects US questioning of its anti-terror commitment
Venezuelan Vice Foreign Minister William Castillo also slammed the US sanctions for undermining Venezuela's development.
The country on Wednesday celebrated the 212th independence anniversary with various political, cultural and military events.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro wrote on social media, "We celebrate the loyalty of the people with their principles and history. The decision to be free remains as firm and absolute as it was 212 years ago."
ALSO READ: Venezuela slams US for backing sale of state-owned oil company
During the celebration, the emblematic flag-raising occurred early in the morning at the National Pantheon in Caracas, with a speech by the head of the Strategic Operations Command of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, Domingo Hernandez Larez.
"Every day, the people of Venezuela demonstrate their constant struggle against being lackeys of any country that wants to take advantage of the nobility of this people, which 212 years ago declared its freedom," he said.
READ MORE: Venezuela passes law to seize assets linked to graft cases
As is traditional, a large-scale civic-military parade was scheduled to take place on the day, also known as Bolivarian National Armed Forces Day.
The country also organized various cultural events for the celebration.
